ACCES 2024 unveils stellar programme for Rwanda

This marks a significant milestone for Rwanda’s creative economy, positioning the country as a key player in Africa’s vibrant cultural landscape. Organised by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF), in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) and the Ministry of Youth and Arts (MINIYOUTH), the three-day event presents unmatched opportunities for both aspiring and established music professionals, as well as music fans.

Highlights

ACCES 2024 is structured around three key pillars of uniting the business and creative aspects of the music industry. The two-day Conference/MICE Programme (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) will be held on 14 and 15 November from 9am to 5pm at the Kigali Convention Center. This vibrant platform is designed for networking, discussions, and collaboration, bringing together local music industry stakeholders alongside representatives from leading global and African music organisations, including top executives, artists, funders, promoters, and publishers.

The two-day Showcase Festival will feature a carefully curated selection of live performances by top talents from across the African continent. Over 20 live acts will take the stage, including Sir Trill, Heavy-K, and Zaki Ibrahim from South Africa, Octopizzo (Kenya), Zimbabwe’s Bantu Spaceship, Prince of Gakondo (Rwanda), Impakanizi (Rwanda) Wamoto (Tanzania), Assa Matusse (Mozambique), Jordan Moozy (Botswana), Kaya Byinshii (Rwanda), Aurus (Reunion Island), Youbana from Morocco, and Zimbabwe’s Indigo Saint and Banshee. A special highlight will be a showcase of Rwandan hip hop, spotlighting Kigali’s thriving hip hop subculture with performances by the new local act +250, featuring Bushali, Ish Kevin, Angell Mutoni, Nikita Heaven, B-Threy, Slum Drip, Ice Nova, and Sema Solé. These performances will take place at the Mundi Center on 15 and 16 November.

Additionally, ACCES will offer workshops and various side events aimed at capacity building, focusing on developing essential music industry skills for both aspiring and established professionals. View the full programme here.

Celebrating Rwandan musical heritage

A highlight of the event will be the MIA Honorary Awards, where Rwandan music icons will be honoured for their contributions to the country’s cultural heritage. Previous Music In Africa Honorary Award recipients include Baaba Maal (Senegal, 2017), Eric Wainaina (Kenya, 2018), Ebo Taylor (Ghana, 2019), Bibie Brew (Ghana, 2019), Vusi Mahlasela (South Africa, 2021), Thandiswa Mazwai (South Africa, 2021), Saida Karoli (Tanzania, 2022), and DDC Mlimani Park Orchestra (Tanzania, 2022).

Key details

• Dates: 14 to 16 November 2024.
• Venues:
  • Kigali Convention Center: Conference, exhibitions, and professional market (14 to 16 November 2024, 9am – 5pm).
  • Mundi Center: Live music showcases and networking events (15 to 16 November 2024, 6pm – 1am).

Registration and tickets

Registrations and tickets are now available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here. 

Press accreditation

Press accreditation is mandatory for all media wishing to cover the event. The deadline to apply for ACCES press accreditation is 15 days before the event. Apply for accreditation here.

About ACCES

ACCES is a pan-African trade show for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent, and create business linkages. ACCES is held in a different African city every year, attracting active music industry players from across the globe. ACCES 2024 is organized by the Music In Africa Foundation, a non-profit pan-African organisation, in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau, the Ministry of Youth and Arts in Rwanda (MINIYOUTH), Siemens Stiftung, the French Institute, Goethe-Institut and Mundi Center. View ACCES sponsors and partners here.